Peer-reviewed articles

Alternative industrial processing of seaweed meal from Ascophyllum nodosum: Value adding and product development potential of liquid side-streams obtained with different separation methods

Contact

Anna Þóra Hrólfsdóttir

Project Manager

annath@matis.is

The brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum is harvested from wild sources and used in seaweed meal production. It contains multiple valuable compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides and carotenoids that have bioactive properties. In current uses of biomass e.g. as raw material for alginate production, these compounds are not of any special interest, hence there is an opportunity for better utilization of the biomass. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the potential of producing and upscaling production of a byproduct (a targeted seaweed extract produced with mixture of fresh seaweed and water) from the unutilized liquid side-streams obtained within traditional seaweed meal processing. That was performed by evaluating the efficiency of the liquid/solid separation (screw press vs decanter), centrifugation as a secondary separation step, as well as drying methods (spray drying vs freeze drying) on the obtained liquid extracts. Chemical and antioxidant properties were evaluated throughout the alternative processing and mass balances calculated. The results suggest that the decanter was more efficient for separation compared to the screw press due to higher yield of liquid retrieved. The chemical composition and antioxidant properties did not differentiate significantly, neither between the separation methods nor during further processing of the liquids (e.g. centrifugation or drying methods). Furthermore, the alginate remained in the solid phase during separation, and main components extracted with the liquid phase included salt, minerals, polyphenols, and carbohydrates. The results indicate that alternative processing with a decanter as primary separation step could be a feasible solution to meet the demands of full utilization and no-waste policies within seaweed production.

Peer-reviewed articles

Multispectral imaging techniques for evaluating physicochemical-, antioxidant, and sensory properties of Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima

Contact

Anna Þóra Hrólfsdóttir

Project Manager

annath@matis.is

With the increased seaweed production worldwide, there is a need to focus on improved production practices to produce high-quality seaweed biomass, especially if the biomass is intended for high-quality products and human consumption. Multispectral imaging (MSI) is a novel technique used as a quality control tool within the food industry due to its rapid, real-time measurements. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the possibilities of using MSI as a quality control tool within seaweed cultivation to predict the physicochemical (including proximate composition, trace minerals, pH, and color), microbiological (total viable counts (TVC)), sensory, and antioxidant properties of A. esculenta and S. latissima throughout diverse processing and handling. The results showed differences in spectra between species, and species classification got 100 % accuracy when using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) with the spectral data. Furthermore, results indicated that the partial least square regression (PLSR) models developed with cross-validation of the MSI data effectively predicted multiple quality parameters, including pH (R2CV= 0.94, RMSECV = 0.278), carbohydrate content (R2CV= 0.89, RMSECV = 0.76), protein content (R2CV= 0.94, RMSECV = 0.12), ash content (R2CV= 0.80, RMSECV = 0.51), and phenolic content (R2CV= 0.992, RMSECV = 0.24). In addition, the results showed possibilities of using the technology to assess several sensory properties. In conclusion, the results show the potential of using the MSI technology as an effective quality control tool within the seaweed industry to simultaneously evaluate multiple physicochemical properties of brown seaweed biomass.

Peer-reviewed articles

Multispectral imaging as a predictive tool for freshness of whole Atlantic cod: Compared with sensory, chemical and microbiological analysis

Contact

Hildur Inga Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

hilduringa@matis.is

This study explores the potential of using multispectral imaging (MSI) techniques to predict the freshness of whole gutted Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) throughout its shelf life during storage on ice. Spectral data were acquired from key anatomical regions – the gills, skin, and eyes – and analyzed using chemometrics methods, including partial least squares regression (PLSR) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). These models were trained to predict sensory evaluations performed by trained panelists using the Quality Index Method (QIM) as well as chemical- and microbiological analyses, total viable counts (TVC) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N). Among the regions analyzed, the gills provided the most accurate predictions of the QIM score, with the ANN model achieving an R2CV = 0.87 and an RMSECV of 2.0. Spectral analysis highlights the role of near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths in capturing spoilage-related biochemical and structural changes, complementing the visible spectrum, which primarily captures color changes. Our findings suggest that MSI combined with chemometric techniques could serve as an efficient, non-destructive alternative to traditional sensory freshness evaluations.

Peer-reviewed articles

The Effect of Chitosan Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota and Various Health Factors in Icelandic Females: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial

Contact

Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir

Project Manager

sigurlaug.skirnisdottir@matis.is

Chitosan is suggested to have prebiotic properties, yet clinical evidence on its in vivo effects on the human gut microbiota and various health factors remains scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan supplementation on gut microbiota composition and various health factors in Icelandic females. Sixty Icelandic females (aged 26–70; BMI 19.1–35.0 kg/m2) were randomized to a 12-week intervention receiving either 3 g/day of encapsulated chitosan (LipoSan Ultra) (TRG, n = 28) or placebo (PLG, n = 32). Anthropometrics, health factors, endurance, and health status questionnaires were collected at baseline (T1) and post-intervention (T3). All values remained within reference ranges at both timepoints in both groups, except weight, waist circumference, and fat mass, which were above. In TRG, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels increased, and fecal consistency shifted toward constipation. 16S rRNA microbial analysis showed decreased diversity/evenness, increased T1–T3 separation by nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and higher Actinobacteriota abundance. Genus level shifts included reduced Blautia, Eubacterium hallii, CAG-56 levels and increased Ruminococcus gnavus, Clostridium innocuum, Bifidobacterium, and Holdemania. This novel clinical study demonstrates that 12 weeks of chitosan supplementation alters gut microbiota composition without affecting general health status in females.

Peer-reviewed articles

The food-associated resistome is shaped by processing and production environments

Contact

Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir

Project Manager

sigurlaug.skirnisdottir@matis.is

Food production systems may act as transmission routes for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria and AMR genes (AMRGs) to humans. However, the food resistome remains poorly characterized. Here 1,780 raw-material (milk, brine, fresh meat and so on), end-product (cheese, fish, meat products and vegetables) and surface (processing, cooling, smoking, ripening and packing rooms) samples from 113 food processing facilities were subjected to whole-metagenome sequencing. Assembly-free analyses demonstrated that >70% of all known AMRGs, including many predicted to confer resistance to critically important antibiotics, circulate throughout food production chains, with those conferring resistance to tetracyclines, β-lactams, aminoglycosides and macrolides being the most abundant overall. An assembly-based analysis highlighted that bacteria from the ESKAPEE group, together with Staphylococcus equorum and Acinetobacter johnsonii, were the main AMRG carriers. Further evaluation demonstrated that ~40% of the AMRGs were associated with mobile genetic elements, mainly plasmids. These findings will help guide the appropriate use of biocides and other antimicrobials in food production settings when designing efficient antimicrobial stewardship policies.

Peer-reviewed articles

Laminarins and their derivatives affect dendritic cell activation and their crosstalk with T cells

Contact

Monica Daugbjerg Christensen

Scientist

monica@matis.is

This research explores the impact of structural variations in of the laminar derived from seaweed on their immunomodulatory properties. Laminarins from Laminaria digitata, L. hyperborea, and Saccharina latissima, were obtained using a two-step water extraction protocol, followed by structural characterization by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR, and MALDI-TOF MS. The laminarin backbones were confirmed as β–1,3-linked glucans with species-specific percentages of β–1,6-linkages (~10 %, ~4 %, and ~21 %, respectively). Each polymer chain consists of approximately 24 to 25 monomer units, while oligosaccharide fractions, produced using the enzyme LPHase, displayed distinct DP-ranges, degrees of β–1,6-branching and intrachain linkages. Laminarin from L. hyperborea and specific oligosaccharide fractions from L. hyperborea and S. latissima influenced cytokine secretion by dendritic cells (DCs). L. hyperborea laminarin and the fraction LhF5 (DP5–DP8) stimulated increased IL-6 and IL-10 secretion by DCs, suggesting a dual role in promoting inflammation and regulating the immune response. In contrast, LhF5, LhF4 (DP6–DP10), and S. latissima laminari-oligosaccharide fraction SlF3 (DP6–DP9) caused decreased TNFα secretion, reflecting anti-inflammatory potential. Co-culturing of treated DCs and CD4+ T-cells showed that L. hyperborea laminarin caused increased IL-17 and IL-10 secretion, whereas SlF3 caused reduced IL-12p40 and IFN-γ secretion. These findings show that DC maturation and T-cell activation are affected by of the laminar of certain size-distribution and branching, implying therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases or vaccine enhancement.

Peer-reviewed articles

Assessing the potential environmental impacts of land-based salmon farming in Iceland through life cycle assessment

Contact

Hildur Inga Sveinsdóttir

Project Manager

hilduringa@matis.is

Salmon farming has a low feed conversion ratio and provides high-quality protein with relatively low environmental input. In Iceland, production is currently 45,000 t annually and is projected to reach 245,000 t by 2033, over 30 % of which is expected from land-based systems. This study assessed the potential environmental impacts of land-based Atlantic salmon farming using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), with a functional unit of 1 t of salmon produced in land-based farms in Iceland in 2021. A hypothetical scenario investigated the avoided environmental burdens of utilizing the salmon manure as fertilizer based solely on its nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, instead of producing synthetic fertilizer. In addition, a sensitivity analysis tested four electricity mix scenarios: the default Ecoinvent Icelandic electricity mix (Scenario 0), an LCA-based Icelandic energy mix (Scenario 1), the residual mix accounting for Guarantees of Origin (GOs) certificates (Scenario 2), and the Ecoinvent European mix (Scenario 3). For Scenario 0, impacts per functional unit were: 1.4 t CO2 eq (Global Warming Potential), 8 kg SO2 eq (Terrestrial Acidification), 0.6 kg P eq (Freshwater Eutrophication), 582 m2a crop eq (Land Use), and 8659 m3 world eq (Water Scarcity Footprint). These results reflect relatively low environmental burdens compared to similar studies in other countries, largely due to Iceland’s renewable energy. However, results from scenario 3 in the sensitivity analysis led to a GWP increase by 377 %, due to its large fossil-based composition. These results stress the importance of energy sourcing in shaping environmental outcomes and can guide impact reduction strategies for future land-based salmon farming in Iceland.

Peer-reviewed articles

Sex influence on the genetic structure of Greenland halibut, Reinhardtius hippglossoides (Walbaum, 1792), in the North Atlantic

Contact

Davíð Gíslason

Project Manager

davidg@matis.is

Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) is a commercially important species in the North Atlantic whose spatial population structure has not yet been fully determined across its entire range. We genotyped individuals from across the North Atlantic using a subset of informative single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers to assess their usability as a SNP panel. We assessed whether these purportedly structured SNPs had any association with sex. We found several of these loci to be in sex-determining chromosomes and that their inclusion generated genetic structure mainly in males. The population structure without the sex-associated SNPs was weak and followed an isolation-by-distance pattern, likely with a large regional population on each side of the North Atlantic. We discuss how different sex ratios in the samples and/or an evolving sex-determination system in this species likely caused the inclusion of sex-associated loci in the panel. We found suggestive evidence of polymorphisms at sex-determining chromosomes differentiating males on east and west locations, indicating evolution of the sex-determination system. These results highlight the importance of documenting sex-based differences in genetic studies and call for a better understanding of genomic architecture to understand sex-determination systems across the whole distribution of sexually dimorphic species.

Peer-reviewed articles

Genetic Markers for Tracing Introgression of Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in Wild Conspecifics

Contact

Davíð Gíslason

Project Manager

davidg@matis.is

Genetic introgression of domesticated plants and animals into wild populations occurs globally. Such introgression disrupts adaptive potential, reduces fitness in wild populations and threatens intraspecific genetic variation. The best-documented case of farmed introgression into wild populations is that of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Norway is the world’s largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon, and the industry is growing in Iceland and other countries. In Norway, genetic introgression resulting from farmed escapees breeding with wild conspecifics has been documented in approximately two-thirds of 250 salmon populations studied. This comprehensive quantification has been possible due to a panel of genetic markers diagnostic of farmed introgression. Improved genomic resources, continued selection and genetic drift in the farmed breeding lines, as well as new breeding lines in commercial production, call for an updated tool to quantify farmed genetic introgression. Here, we present second-generation panels of genetic markers diagnostic of farmed introgression in Norway and the first panels of genetic markers diagnostic of farmed introgression in Iceland. We show that these diagnostic markers provide increased power to detect introgression compared to the first-generation panel, as well as increased power compared to a genome-wide marker set. Improved accuracy will benefit the ongoing monitoring of farmed introgression and facilitate research into the ecological and functional effects of farmed introgression in wild populations.

Reports

Áhrif fóðrunar á gæði kjöts af íslenskum holdablendingum / Effects of feeding barley on the quality of meat from young mixed breed bulls

Published:

20/12/2024

Authors:

Eva Margrét Jónudóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Guðjón Þorkelsson, Óli Þór Hilmarsson, Sæmundur Sveinsson, Ditte Clausen (Ráðgjafamiðstöð Landbúnaðarins) og Egill Gautason (Landbúnaðarháskólanum).

Supported by:

Icelandic Food Innovation Fund (is. Matvælasjóður)

Contact

Eva Margrét Jónudóttir

Project Manager

evamargret@matis.is

Markmið verkefnisins voru (1) að kanna hvaða áhrif mismunandi kornskammtar, 0%, 21% eða 37% af heildarfóðri fyrir holdablendinga hefðu á gæði og eiginleika nautakjöts, (2) að bera saman gæði og eiginleika kjöts af íslenskum nautum við holdablendinga sem höfðu fengið sömu meðferð og fóðrun. Að auki var verkefninu ætlað að afla upplýsinga um kröfur og upplifun neytenda af íslensku nautakjöti. íslensku nautakjöti.

Sýni til mælinga voru hryggvöðvar af gripum úr fóðurtilraun sem höfðu fengið uppeldi eftir ofangreindri fóðursamsetningu þar til þeir náðu um 350 kg fallþunga að meðaltali. Sláturaldur gripanna í kjötgæðarannsókninni var á bilinu 15,9-27,5 mánuðir. Gripum var skipt upp í 4 hópa sem hver taldi 12 naut. Einn hópur var af íslenska kúakyninu en hinir þrír voru holdablendingar (alls 48 gripir). Töluverður breytileiki var í erfðasamsetningu holdablendinganna en valið var í hópa eftir erfðagreiningu til þess að lágmarka breytileika vegna kúakyns eins og kostur var. Meðaltöl fyrir kyn holdablendingshópana voru; 21% ísl. kúakyn, 34% Angus, 41% Galloway og 3% Limosin.

Eftirfarandi mælingar voru gerðar: Erfðagreining, sýrustig, sjónmat á fitusprengingu, sjónmat á lit, efnamæling innanvöðvafitu, áferðarmæling á hráu og elduðu kjöti með WBSF aðferð, suðurýrnun, fitusýrugreining, skynmat og neytendapróf ásamt því að mynd var tekin af sneið á sama stað úr hryggvöðva frá hverjum einasta grip.

Greinilegur munur var á hryggvöðva nauta af íslenska kúakyninu annars vegar og holdablendinga hins vegar (sem allir höfðu fengið sama fóður (21% korn) og sömu meðferð) Vaxtahraði holdablendinganna var meiri þar sem meðalaldur íslensku gripanna við slátrun var um 8 mánuðum hærri en holdablendinganna. Holdablendingarnir mældust með hærra hlutfall innanvöðvafitu (fitusprenging), lægra hlutfall fjölómettaðra fitusýra, hærra hlutfall mettaðra fitusýra, sætara bragð, mýkri áferð, meyrara kjöt og skoruðu hærra fyrir alla þætti í neytendaprófum. Neytendum fannst kjöt af íslenska kúakyninu vera af hversdagslegum gæðum en kjöt af holdablendingum hafa meira en hversdagsleg gæði.

Áhrif aukins kornhlutfalls í fóðri holdablendinga á hryggvöðva voru: aukinn vaxtahraði, lækkun sláturaldurs, aukin innanvöðvafita, ljósari kjötlitur, meiri fitusprenging, hækkað hlutfall Omega 6 fitusýra, lækkað hlutfall Omega 3 fitusýra og jákvæðari áhrif á upplifun neytenda þ.e. kjöt af holdablendingum var safaríkara og meyrara, hafði betra bragð og meiri gæði. Áhrif á kjötmat voru engin og munur milli fóðurhópa með skynmati var ekki marktækur þó svo að fylgni hafi verið við niðurstöður úr neytendaprófunum.

Helstu áhrifaþættir á kjötgæði og upplifun neytenda voru sláturaldur og innanvöðvafita (fitusprenging). Þá var einstaklingsbreytileiki meiri innan íslenska kúakynsins en hjá holdablendingum.

Upplýsingar úr verkefninu munu nýtast við fóðurráðgjöf til bænda. Þar að auki virðist vera tilefni til þess að sérmerkja og markaðsetja eftir frekari aðgreiningu íslenskt nautakjöt til að tryggja stöðugri gæði til neytenda með hærra verði og meiri arðsemi í huga. Þá gæti slík aðgerð bætt markaðstöðu og samkeppnishæfni nautakjöts af íslenskum holdablendingum. Í því sambandi væri einnig áhugavert að fara í frekari rannsókn á yngri hreinræktuðum íslenskum nautum og bera þau saman við holdablendinga á sama aldri.

Verkefnið var styrkt af Matvælasjóði. Samstarfsaðilar voru Hofstaðsel (Sel ehf.), Kjötafurðastöð Kaupfélags Skagfirðinga (KS), Íslandsnaut (Ferskar kjötvörur), Ráðgjafamiðstöð Landbúnaðarins (RML), Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands (LBHÍ) og Matís ohf.
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The effects of increased ratio of barley (0%/21%/37%) in roughage feed of young bulls of a mixed meat breed on meat quality were studied and compared to the quality of meat of young bulls from the Icelandic dairy breed. The aim was also to gather information on consumer perception of the meat. Twelve young bulls were in each of the four treatments.

Loin muscles of carcases of the young bulls of approximately 350 kg carcass weight were sampled.  The age at slaughter ranged from 15,9 to 27,5 months.

Some variation was in the genomic composition of the bulls from the mixed breed. It was on average 21% Icelandic dairy breed, 34% Aberdeen Angus, 41% Galloway and 3% Limousin. Care was taken to minimize the effects of the variation when the bulls were divided between treatments.

The loin muscles were analysed for: pH24, visual marbling and colour score, % intramuscular fat and fatty acid composition, Warner Bratzler shear force of raw and cooked meat, cooking loss, colour, odour, flavour and texture using trained sensory panel and consumer perception and preferences.

Increased barley led to increased growth rate in grammes of meat per day and lower slaughter age. It increased both visual marbling score and % intramuscular fat (1,78 to 4,32). It increased the percentage of Omega 6 fatty acids and decreased the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in the intramuscular fat (g/100 g IMF). It had a positive effect of consumer perception and preferences with the meat being juicier, more tender and softer and of higher quality with increased barley in the feed. The differences in sensory properties were not significant but there was however a good correlation with the consumers scores. Increased barley did however not influence EU conformation and fat cover grading of carcases.

Big differences were between the meat of the Icelandic dairy breed and the meat of the mixed meat breed young bulls that were fed in the same way (21% barley).  The bulls of the mixed breed were slaughtered 8 months younger on average and their growth rate was much higher. The intramuscular fat of the loin muscle of the mixed breed was much higher (3,82 vs 1,78) as well as the visual marbling score. It had lower percentage of Omega 3 fatty acids and higher percentage of Omega 6 fatty acids. The meat tasted sweeter and was more tender, softer and scored higher in all the attributes of the consumer perception and preferences.  The meat of the Icelandic dairy breed was on average of “everyday quality” whereas the meat of the mixed meat breed was of “more than everyday quality”. Age at slaughter, visual marbling score, % intramuscular fat were the independent factors with the best correlation to the evaluation of the consumers. More individual variation was in consumer evaluation within the Icelandic dairy group than the mixed meat breed groups.   

Information from the project can be used by consultants and individual farmer and processors when considering producing high quality meat. There should be an opportunity to produce especially labelled, higher priced meat of consistent and high quality to consumers. It would improve marketing and competitiveness of meat form mixed meat breeds.

The project was supported by Matvælasjóður. Project Partners:  Hofstaðsel (Sel ehf.), Kjötafurðastöð Kaupfélags Skagfirðinga (KS), Íslandsnaut (Ferskar kjötvörur), Ráðgjafamiðstöð Landbúnaðarins (RML), Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands (LBHÍ) og Matís ohf.

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